Franchot Eyed As Future Of Democratic Party In Maryland

Republican Larry Hogan pulled off a remarkable electoral triumph last week to defeat Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in Maryland’s gubernatorial election- winning a state that has a 2-1 democrat voter advantage by 5 points. His margin in western Maryland was overwhelming, including winning 75% of the vote in Allegany County. Pundits and politicians have been left to analyze the future of the Democratic party. The field is now wide open and the leadership for the taking- however many are pointing to popular Comptroller Peter Franchot as the man most likely to take charge. A frequent visitor to Allegany County in the past few years, the comptroller has worked to position himself as the fiscal watchdog of the Democratic party. Franchot toyed with the idea of running for governor this year, but opted against it. Many can see him moving in the direction four years from now. For what its worth, governor elect Hogan says he and the comptroller have similar philosophical approaches to government…